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Yes I know . . . it has been too long since I last updated this blog. Finally, after four months, I am taking the time to write and update you all on the fun adventures of the Larson family.
February was probably the least exciting month we have had in a while. I don’t think we actually did anything except hang around the house and focus on work and school. I do remember that in February I again tried to opt out of having to celebrate Valentine’s day, but was once again whisked off to a romantic dinner and given some flowers. I am not quite sure why I am not a fan of Valentine’s but I am not. Although it is always nice to feel appreciated and loved by my dear husband and we had a great time at dinner.
March was a very fun month for us. We took a trip to Selah, WA to visit Troy, Alysia, and the kids. We spent Easter with them and Natalie had her first Easter Egg Hunt. It was so cute to see her out there collecting eggs and shaking them to hear them rattle. The poor girl was not allowed to actually eat any of the candy (yes we are strict sometimes) but we did let her play with the stickers she got in some of the eggs. I think her greatest enjoyment was figuring out how to pop those plastic eggs open. While in Selah, I was able to go on a run with Alysia at 6am. It was so gorgeous there in the morning, and it was nice to see the different orchards (apples, cherries, pears) and to hear the birds signing good morning to us as we ran. Nathan and Troy obviously spent time on the golf course, and we all had fun hanging out around the house and with the kids. The girls played dress up and Natalie was a little gypsy girl! It was darling.
April brought with it Natalie’s very 1st Birthday! I can hardly believe that she is 1 year old already, and that she has continued to grow so fast. We had Shelly and Russ (along with Russ’s sister and friend) fly up for Natalie’s Birthday. We took a fun trip to the beach and got to visit the aquarium where Natalie loved poking the sea urchins. My cousin Amelia and her fiancé came down from British Columbia and spent the day with us as well. We went to a wonderful seafood restaurant and had dinner and got to hear a girl play music on wine bottles. It was pretty fascinating and Grandma and Natalie sure loved watching. Natalie got so many gifts for her birthday. Grandma and Grandma Larson gave her a gorgeous dress (which she has already worn about 4 times). Grandpa Beaumont gave her a new toy box that looks like a dollhouse. She loves it, and it is perfect for her to pull her toys out and play with. For now, we’re learning how to pick them up afterwards! She also got some building blocks, sports blocks, books, cards, and new toys from my sister, Russ, Scott, and my cousins. Nathan and I got her a new big-girl carseat that she loves. And above all . . . Grandma Beaumont bought her the most exciting gift for everyone that showed up at my Dad’s house for cake and ice cream. Grandma got her a (believe it or not) Baby Alive Doll. That thing is amazing. It’s a large doll, about the size Natalie was at 2 months old. It has hair, eyes that blink, clothes, binkies, a bottle, and it even talks. But, what was most fun is the fact that you can literally feed this doll and it CRAPS!!! Yes, that’s right. It actually pees its pants and takes a crap. We have little tiny diapers for this doll. It was so funny to watch and Russ bottle fed Natalie’s doll, and as everyone was grossed out by the fact that the diaper filled so quickly. Nathan doesn’t really like it (he says, “just more diapers to change”) but it was a kick to watch. Now, a few months later, Natalie can even feed her dolly and like to make it talk. It’s quite cute and fun to play with.
Recently, I was offered to work at home. I love working at home as it allows me more time with Natalie, and gives me the freedom of going places. Because of this, Nathan and I decided that Memorial Day weekend in May would be the perfect time to go to Lewiston, ID and visit family. We were able to stay over a week because I just worked from Karen’s office on the days I was supposed to be working. The weekend was spent up in Coeur d’ Alene with our best friends, Riley and Leanne Schuit. We had so much fun going to Spokane and visiting the fair grounds there. Natalie rode her first carousel with the rest of us and we all stopped to enjoy the fountains. We also stopped on the bridge over the Spokane River and watched the water for quite some time. The water was so incredibly high that it was rushing faster than any water I’ve ever seen (including water on the Snake or Deschutes when white water rafting). The rapids were literally larger than my car! It was so amazing and tons of people were stopping to take pictures, video tape it, and just admire nature’s massive power. I was nervous that the bridge beneath us would get swept away in the current, but we survived. While we were in Coeur d’ Alene we spent time playing Guitar Hero and Mario Kart on the Wii. It was fun, even though I didn’t win at Mario Kart!
After visiting Riley and Leanne, we headed back to Lewiston to spend time with Nathan’s family. I took the kids to the park and played with them and then we went out to lunch at McDonalds. We spent time golfing (I actually golfed 9 holes but did terribly bad), hanging out and working. Natalie had so much fun playing with Grandma and Grandpa Larson’s dog Poochie. He is a small dog and they would play together and chase each other around the house. Natalie loves animals so much, and that was one of her highlights of the trip. We didn’t get to go boating because they had a lot of snow run-off and the river was really high with logs floating downstream. The water was soggy as well from recent rain so we didn’t go four-wheeling. But we did get to play games, swim in the hot tub, and watch movies. Overall it was a very relaxing and fun trip that we really needed. We love getting away from Oregon and it had been too long.
Now that June is upon us, Nathan and I have been married for three years now. When I think of being married for three years, it seems as though time has flown by. I honestly feel like we just got married a few months ago. However, when at look at all that we have accomplished, and all that we have been blessed with, it really does seem like three years. I can hardly believe the blessings our marriage has brought to our lives, and how the Lord has continued to bless us as a couple. It has been wonderful!
We also had our dear friends Andrew and Rachel McBride, join us this week for some fun times. They recently got married and came to visit and hang out. They are having their Oregon reception this Saturday so we’ll be attending that (actually I am doing all the decorating and set up with my mom). We went to dinner and played games the other night, and hopefully we’ll get to hang out Friday night for some more fun (maybe bowling).
As far as our lives go, those are the major events for each month up to date. However, we continue to interview for medical/dental school (Nathan recently interviewed in Arizona and has another interview in Ohio). We are really hoping for either Oregon or Arizona so we can buy a house and settle down for 4 years while Nathan finishes school. Afterwards, we are still planning to move to Idaho. I am working at home and continuing to spend time with Natalie and working around the house. I have gotten rid of most my cysts and am doing well now. Natalie continues to grow and improve in her learning, but also seems to be more independent. Just the other day I tried to help her get into her little chair and she wasn’t too happy about that. I took a few steps back and watched nervously as she climbed up the chair’s legs to proudly sit atop her throne knowing she did it all by herself! Oh my, she is such a joy. I could go on and on about the cute things she does . . . but then we’d be here all day.
Hopefully I will be better at keeping in touch and updating our blog. Be sure to check out Natalie’s recent blog and keep an eye out for Nathan’s up and coming addition to his. Take a look at our new pictures, and feel free to leave us some comments.
Loves and Hugs,
Jennifer
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